The commitment was reaffirmed during talks in Vientiane on May 13 between Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh and Lao Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalith Mangnormek

SEA Games 2031 will mark the second time Laos hosts the regional sporting event after previously organising the tournament in 2009. Laos is now accelerating preparations in infrastructure, human resources, and technical expertise to deliver a more competitive and professionally organised event.

As part of the preparation process, Laos has requested Vietnam’s continued support in several key areas, particularly the renovation of the National Sports Training Centre - a facility originally supported by Vietnam for the 2009 SEA Games but now deteriorating after years of use.

Laos also expressed interest in receiving support to build a Sports Science Centre aimed at improving athlete training, physical recovery, and overall performance ahead of SEA Games 2031.

Beyond infrastructure, athlete and coach development remains a central pillar of long-term sports cooperation between the two countries.

Under the proposed plan, around 35 to 60 Lao athletes will travel to Vietnam annually for training and professional development. During the peak SEA Games preparation period between 2029 and 2030, the number could rise to 70 to 100 athletes per year.

Vietnam is also expected to send sports experts to Laos to assist with training in key disciplines while expanding cooperation in disability sports, school football, sports management, and grassroots sports development.

Mangnormek highly appreciated Vietnam’s role in supporting the country’s sports sector over recent years, especially in human resource development and sports infrastructure projects.

Vietnam’s support plays an important role in Laos’ strategy to strengthen national sports capabilities and successfully host SEA Games 2031, he said.

For her part, Thanh emphasised that sports cooperation remains a key pillar in the broader relationship between Vietnam and Laos.

She also noted that Vietnam is actively implementing strategies to develop the sports economy, upgrade international tournaments, and improve sports infrastructure as part of its long-term ambition to host major continental sporting events in the future.

In addition to sports cooperation, both sides discussed expanding collaboration in culture and tourism, including efforts to address issues related to “zero-dollar tours.”

Laos values cooperation with Vietnam in information, communications

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh met with Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education and Sports Thongsalit Mangnomek and Chairman of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training Khamphan Pheuiyavong, as part of her visit to Laos.